Responsibilities in the Administration, Funds and Programmes
Public administration
Ministry of Energy
Since January 2009 the Ministry of Energy is in charge of the energy sector, which since 1996 had been under the supervision of the Ministry of Economy.
State Enterprise Energy Agency
The State Enterprise Energy Agency is incorporated in the Ministry of Energy.
Under the instructions of the Ministry of Economy, the Energy Agency deals with the following issues:
- drafting the National Energy Program and other programs regarding the improvement of efficient use of energy resources and of energy, and use of local, renewable and waste energy resources.
- organization of their implementation, updating and revision;
- preparation of legal, economic and organizational energy efficiency measures for implementation of the national policy.
Under the assignment of the Ministry, the Agency is engaged in:
- coordination of international cooperation in the energy sector,
- coordination of foreign technical assistance to the energy sector in accordance with the priorities laid down in the relevant policy documents.
- organization and supervision of the harmonization process of Lithuanian legislation and the European Union legal requirements and participation in the integration processes of energy sectors of the Baltic States and Baltic Sea States.
Lithuania, through the Energy Agency, cooperates in the Baltic Sea Region Energy Cooperation (BASREC) of the Council of the Baltic Sea States.
Ministry of Environment
The Ministry of Environment is the main managing authority of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania which forms the country's state policy of environmental protection, forestry, utilization of natural resources, geology and hydrometeorology, territorial planning, construction, provision of residents with housing, utilities and housing, as well as coordinates its implementation.
According to the Law on Energy, the Ministry of Environment is one of the institutions carrying out the provisions of the Energy Law.
State Nuclear Safety Inspectorate (VATESI)
VATESI is responsible for Nuclear Safety.
The tasks of VATESI are
- state regulation of nuclear safety at the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant State Company and other nuclear facilities
- state regulation of the safety of radioactive waste management in nuclear facilities
- state regulation of the safe use of nuclear materials
- state regulation of the physical protection of nuclear facilities, nuclear and radioactive materials used in nuclear energy
- state regulation of radiation protection within its competence in the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant and other nuclear facilities.
Radioactive Waste Management Agency
The Radioactive Waste Management Agency (RATA) is a State Enterprise, which was established to implement the management and final disposal of all radioactive waste (RW) transferred to it, generated by the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant (INPP) during the operation and decommissioning process, and RW from small producers (hospitals, industry, research institutions etc).
RATA’s activity is licensed by the regulatory bodies, namely State Nuclear Power Safety Inspectorate (VATESI) and Radiation Protection Center.
National Control Commission for Prices and Energy
The National Control Commission for Prices and Energy is in charge of the regulation of the electricity and gas sector as well as price control.
Energy related organisations
LEI - Lithuanian Energy Institute
LEI carries out research work, consultancy and promotional activities in the main energy sectors. With staff of about 300 persons, part of the research activities are carried out in defined directions approved and financed by the Government, others on a contract basis with companies and in international programs and co-operations.
LEI is partner in the GreenLight Programme and in the OPET network.
Lithuanian Wind Energy Association
The aim of the Lithuanian Wind Energy Association is to develop wind power in Lithuania on all levels: by creating positive juridical and economical conditions and a system of strategic self-development of scientific research, windmill engineering and construction, wind power plants projection, by forming positive public opinion, etc.
Lithuanian Hydropower Association
The Lithuanian Hydropower Association has the aim to promote the development of hydropower in Lithuania. It's focus is on both large and small hydropower. The association has got approximately 80 members and supporters. Most of them are directly linked with hydropower stations (HPS).
Lithuanian biomass association LITBIOMA
Lithuanian biomass association was founded in 2003. Members of the association are biofuel producers, biofuel burning technology manufacturers, research institutions and others. Litbioma is member of the European Biomass Association.
Lithuanian District Heating Association
The Lithuanian District Heating Association (LDHA) is a voluntary public organization established in 1998. LDHA represents the interests and rights of the Lithuanian District Heat utilities, organisations and other associated energy structures in the DH sector.
The Association is comprised of 41 members, 32 of the total membership comprise DH companies, which produce and supply around 99 % of the total heat through the DH network in the Republic of Lithuania, and 9 companies whose activities are closely linked to the heat sector.
Housing and Urban Development Agency
Housing and Urban Development Agency is an institution of the Ministry of Environment. It was established in 2001 as a Housing Agency on the basis of five regional advisory centres, which were created to support homeowners participating in the Energy Efficiency Housing Pilot Project. The main tasks of the Agency are to prepare and implement programs foreseen by the Lithuanian Housing Strategy and administrative support of the Multi-apartment buildings modernization program.
Energy related funds and programmes
Lithuanian Environmental Investment Fund (LEIF)
The Lithuanian Environmental Investment Fund (LEIF) was founded on November 11, 1996, as a public institution, in compliance with the Law on Public Institutions of the Republic of Lithuania. The main goal of the LEIF is to support public and private sectors in realization of environmental projects and projects to reduce the negative impact of economic activities on environment in compliance with the Environmental Strategy of the Republic of Lithuania.
It offers either soft loans or loan subsidies for the investment in environmental beneficial projects. The main source of the fund is the 20 percent of the pollution tax which is paid to the LEIF since 2000 on the basis of the Law on Environmental Pollution Tax. Projects, subsidized from LEIF usually are pointed to reduce the pollution of air, water and rubbish. Main measures to support public and private sectors are subsidies and soft loans.
Subsidies
Subsidies are given to projects which conform to the LEIF certified form. For example:
- Projects, related to energy production from renewable energy sources.
- Projects related to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (fuel switch, implementation of clean technologies, increase of energy efficiency).
- Projects related to clean development such as solid biofuel production from biomass.
There are some conditions for resourcing the projects:
- Recipient of subsidy can get only 70 percent of the overall project investment, but no more than 690,000 Litas (€ 200,000).
- Subsidy mechanism - resources of money are transferred to the respective institution, which provided the credit to the recipient (credit for project implementation).
- Subsidies to the credit institution are transferred in two stages. First stage (60 % of subsidy) is transferred after initial project start (after all constructional or preparative project work). Second stage of transaction (remaining 40 % of subsidy) is made after recipient supplies LEIF with report about indexes. Such indexes usually are environmental protection indexes, indicated in project preparatory stage.
- Subsidy is transferred in national currency Litas.
Soft loans
Soft loans are usually given to projects such as:
- Lightening system renovation (replacement of no effective lamps with effective ones)
- Wind power plant (capacity more then 0,25 MW) projects
- Projects in electricity power stations, where biomass and biogas take more than 70 % of fuel balance.
Recent projects financed from LEIF:
- Chimney installation in Skuodas power plant (5 MW).
- Administrative and manufactory buildings in Klaipeda reconstruction adapting renewable energy sources.
- Preparation of biomass from waste of wood in Mažeikiai.
EU Structural Funds
Support for investments in renewable energy or energy efficiency projects can be obtained through the EU Structural Funds. Applications shall be prepared in line with the financial guidelines for 2007-2013.
Different ministries are responsible for the preparation of the financing guidelines of different sectors. Lithuanian Ministry of Economy prepares guidelines and evaluates investment projects for renovation of public buildings, modernization of district heating pipelines, modernization of boilers. [Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Finance]
Programme of Multi-apartment buildings modernization
The Lithuanian Housing Strategy of the Government of the Republic Of Lithuania approved the Programme of the Multi-Apartment Buildings Modernisation in 2004. This programme set the following objective: by increasing the efficiency of energy use, reducing heating expenses, ensure favourable conditions for owners of multi-apartment buildings and low income population as well as single persons to modernize their apartments of multi-flat buildings wherein they reside. Upon the implementation of the Programme, about 70 % of multi-apartment buildings constructed before 1993 will be modernized. Thermal energy and fuel consumption in the present housing sector will decrease by 30 %.
Owners of multi-apartment buildings supply investment plan and energy audit to Housing and Urban Development Agency and can get 50% reimbursement of investments.
This programme also has special provisions regarding low income households - the rest of the payments are reimbursed by the municipality for such households. This programme of Multi-apartment building modernisation now is one of the main demand side oriented programmes in Lithuania. [Housing and Urban Development Agency]
